Ruff wants Grigorenko’s play to force Sabres to keep him

BUFFALO – About 10 minutes into his first NHL practice, Mikhail Grigorenko calmed down, channeled his nervous energy and began showcasing the many talents that could land the 18-year-old in the Sabres’ opening-day lineup next week.

The slick Russian center enjoyed a solid showing on Sunday, the first day of training camp and the lockout-shortened 2012-13 season.

But, as Lindy Ruff said, “practice drills are one thing.” Competition drills, where Grigorenko can utilize his 6-foot-3, 200-pound body, will tell the Sabres coach more. So will the modified game action Grigorenko should see throughout tonight’s intrasquad scrimmage.

“Then … (playing) against an opposition that’s not his own will tell you even more,” Ruff said inside the First Niagara Center. “He doesn’t look like a junior player. His size, his strength I think is already ahead of where that’s at.”

The Sabres will be giving the first-round pick every opportunity to crack the lineup during the shortened camp. He can receive a five-game trial before his contract kicks in.

“You’d like to see something you say, ‘Boy, it’s going to be really tough (not to keep him),’” Ruff said. “But long-term, you got to understand where he’s at. You got to understand what’s the best thing for him. What’s the best for us and what’s the best for Mikhail?

“And at the same time, (you need) a fair chance in evaluating whether he can help our hockey club in a shortened, intense season.”

Grigorenko, a force with the QMJHL’s Quebec Remparts this season, said his comfort increased during the one-hour, 45-minute session. Teammates helped him.

“It was really faster,” said Grigorenko, who believes he “did well” in his first taste of the NHL. “All those guys here are really strong here and big.”

For now, Grigorenko’s “locker” consists of a plastic chair off to one side of the dressing room and a nameplate leaned against a ledge. Rookies must earn everything.

“It’s better than staying in Quebec,” Grigorenko said.

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In injuries news, winger Nathan Gerbe (spine) and forward Cody McCormick (finger) both practiced Sunday, although neither has been cleared for full contact.

Gerbe underwent spine surgery – a procedure called a Discectomy L5-SI for an L4 herniated disc – in July.

“Very scary, especially that (it) was the first time I ever had surgery,” Gerbe said. “So the first surgery I get was on my spine, so (I was) obviously pretty nervous about it. You don’t know how your body’s going to be. I think everyone involved has done a great job at keeping me intact and pushing me along.”

The diminutive American began skating again in November and hopes he can return soon. He said he’s heard “20 different timeframes” for a recovery.

“I guess when they’re messing around with spine and nerves anything can go wrong, so anything can set you back,” Gerbe said.

Gerbe, an aggressive thumper, said this week will indicate when he can return.

“(Sunday) I skated with the players for the first time since April,” he said. “It was a big change for me to where I need to feel comfortable and confident out there and know I can turn and hit guys. I think that’s when I’m ready.”

Since he was injured, Gerbe got paid during the lockout and had the full run of the team’s facilities and staff.

“It was lonely days, bored,” Gerbe said. “I guess for me it was good. My pure focus was how I would be in-season. I’d come to the rink, I’d do my therapy, do what I needed to, work hard in the gym and then get on the ice.”

McCormick, meanwhile, was injured last winter and kept playing.

“It would react not too favorably in certain situations, and then it never healed all summer,” McCormick said about his finger.

He’s uncertain about his status for opening day. He said he could “go into a corner and really jam ” Sunday.

Notes: The Sabres have 26 players – 15 forwards, nine defensemen and two goalies – competing for the 23-man roster. … Sabres goalie Ryan Miller joking while talking to the media Sunday. “It’s been eight months. I lost all my clichés.” … Ruff, who broke three ribs during a scary practice collision last year, on what he did Sunday morning: “I planned out where I was going to stand so I didn’t get hurt. I started that about 6:30.” … Ruff said players were so excited to be back they reported for their physicals at 6:30 a.m. Sunday, 30 minutes early. … Some members of the Rochester Americans will play in tonight’s scrimmage.